THE MAXWELL HOTEL PUTS THE BRAKES ON TRADITIONAL SIGHTSEEING
Seattle Hotel Launches Complimentary Bicycle Service

April 29, 2010 – The Maxwell Hotel received a bicycle shipment for its bike program.

SEATTLE – The Maxwell Hotel, a Columbia West Properties owned and operated hotel located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to Seattle Center, received six new Torker T-300 bicycles for the launch of its bike program on Thursday, April 29, 2010.
The complimentary program allows hotel guests to check out bicycles during their stay for sightseeing and transportation. Bike Hugger, a bicycle blog community, helped procure the bicycles, which feature 3 speeds, fenders and racks and are available in both men’s and women’s styles.
“The bike program gives our guests a whole new way to view Seattle,” Linda Jones, general manager of The Maxwell said. “We are excited to offer our guests a transportation option that is both green and fun.”
The Maxwell is located across the street from the Seattle Center and has a bike lane running outside the front door. It is a short bike ride from popular Seattle destinations including Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and the Seattle waterfront. Each bike is equipped with a basket, making them ideal for transporting purchases from a trip to the Market or a day of shopping downtown. The Burke-Gilman bike trail is just three miles away and provides more than 18 miles of paved, scenic trail between Ballard and Kenmore.

About The Maxwell Hotel
Located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center and the world-famous Space Needle, The Maxwell is a Columbia West Properties hotel with strong ties to Seattle’s arts community. The hotel’s close proximity to Seattle’s top destinations including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet, makes The Maxwell a prime location for both leisure and business travelers. Built by Columbia West Properties’ Foreman family to reflect their values of warmth, welcome and hospitality, the hotel has 139 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. A hand-tiled pineapple mosaic honors the international symbol of hospitality and welcomes guests as they “meet at the pineapple.” For more information, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com, or find The Maxwell on Facebook www.facebook.com/themaxwellhotel and Twitter www.twitter.com/themaxwellhotel.

About Columbia West Properties, Inc.
A family-owned and operated business, Columbia West Properties (CWP) owns, manages and develops a variety of commercial, retail, multi-family and hospitality properties in Washington state. Founded by Diane Foreman in 1988, CWP is currently managed by her daughter, Michelle Foreman Barnet, who serves as president, in conjunction with Diane and her husband Richard Foreman who serve as co-CEOs. CWP’s notable properties include Bellevue’s Pacific Plaza; Waterworks Marina and Offices; the historic Holyoke Building and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle; and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Other projects currently in development include the Second Avenue Towers on Virginia Street in downtown Seattle (currently in planning phase). For more information, please visit www.columbiawestproperties.com.

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Media Contacts: Katie Riese / Lori Meyers
Richmond Public Relations
(206) 682-6979
katier@richmondpr.com / lorim@richmondpr.com

THE MAXWELL HOTEL
CELEBRATES ITS GRAND OPENING

SEATTLE – The Maxwell Hotel, a Columbia West Properties owned and operated hotel located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center, welcomed nearly 400 people to its grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Guests nibbled on appetizers from Tom Douglas Catering, sipped specialty cocktails and toured the hotel with whimsical bellhops. The entertainment, provided by EnJoy Productions, included water ballet in the hotel’s pool, a yodeling maid, a hand balancer, a “cupcake lady” with a skirt full of treats, a Rolla Bolla juggler and a jazz trio from Garfield High School.
“The grand opening celebration paid homage to the Maxwell’s commitment to the arts and its fun, whimsical feel,” said Michelle Foreman Barnet, president of Columbia West Properties. “We truly appreciate everyone who joined the festivities and we welcome everyone to return to meet us at the pineapple.”
The Maxwell features 139 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Conveniently located on Roy Street between Third Avenue North and Nob Hill Avenue in downtown Seattle, The Maxwell is just steps away from a number of arts venues, including the Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, SIFF Cinema and Intiman Theatre.
The Maxwell Hotel opened its doors to guests on Monday, March 22, 2010.

About The Maxwell Hotel
Located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center and the world-famous Space Needle, The Maxwell is a Columbia West Properties hotel with strong ties to Seattle’s arts community. The hotel’s close proximity to Seattle’s top destinations including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet, makes The Maxwell a prime location for both leisure and business travelers. Built by Columbia West Properties’ Foreman family to reflect their values of warmth, welcome and hospitality, the hotel has 139 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. A hand-tiled pineapple mosaic honors the international symbol of hospitality and welcomes guests as they “meet at the pineapple.” For more information, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com, or find The Maxwell on Facebook www.facebook.com/themaxwellhotel and Twitter www.twitter.com/themaxwellhotel.

About Columbia West Properties, Inc.
A family-owned and operated business, Columbia West Properties (CWP) owns, manages and develops a variety of commercial, retail, multi-family and hospitality properties in Washington state. Founded by Diane Foreman in 1988, CWP is currently managed by her daughter, Michelle Foreman Barnet, who serves as president, in conjunction with Diane and her husband Richard Foreman who serve as co-CEOs. CWP’s notable properties include Bellevue’s Pacific Plaza; Waterworks Marina and Offices; the historic Holyoke Building and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle; and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Other projects currently in development include the Second Avenue Towers on Virginia Street in downtown Seattle (currently in planning phase). For more information, please visit www.columbiawestproperties.com.

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Media Contacts: Katie Riese / Lori Meyers
Richmond Public Relations
(206) 682-6979
katier@richmondpr.com

THE MAXWELL HOTEL APPOINTS LINDA M. JONES AS GENERAL MANAGER
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BARBARA DICKINSON NAMED DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING FOR THE MAXWELL HOTEL

SEATTLE – The Maxwell Hotel, a Columbia West Properties owned and operated hotel located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center, has named Linda M. Jones as general manager and Barbara Dickinson as director of sales and marketing. Both Jones and Dickinson bring extensive hotel industry knowledge and experience to The Maxwell, the most recent addition to the hospitality portfolio of Columbia West Properties, Inc.

“Both Linda and Barbara have proven to be valuable additions to The Maxwell as we approach the grand opening in March 2010,” said Michelle Foreman Barnet, president and COO of Columbia West Properties. “Their combined years of experience and passion for the industry will help make The Maxwell an essential part of Seattle’s vibrant tourism and hospitality community.”

Jones brings more than 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her position of general manager, including nearly eight years as general manager for the Columbia West Properties-owned University Inn. In her current position, she is responsible for managing hotel operations while focusing on service, employee and guest satisfaction and physical plant maintenance. Jones is a Certified Hotel Administrator who received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Washington State University in 1994. She is a native of Shoreline, Wash. and currently resides in Edmonds, Wash.

Dickinson brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing in the hotel industry to her position. In her new position as director of sales and marketing, Dickinson is responsible for pre-opening promotions, developing a strategic sales program and managing community relations. Prior to joining The Maxwell, Dickinson served as the director of sales at the Roosevelt Hotel in Seattle, and previously held the position of associate director of sales at The Renaissance Seattle Hotel from 2004 to 2008. Dickinson, a native Seattleite, attended Central Washington University and the Northwest School of Art, and currently lives in West Seattle.

The Maxwell is the first hotel built by Columbia West Properties. The hotel features 140 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. The Maxwell is owned by Columbia West Properties. The architects are Jensen/Fey and Weber Thompson, the general contractor is Rafn Company, the project manager is Mark Modawell of The Sutor Group and the interiors are by Karen Earl Interior Design. For more information about The Maxwell, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com.

About The Maxwell Hotel
Located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center and the world-famous Space Needle, The Maxwell is a Columbia West Properties hotel with strong ties to Seattle’s arts community. The hotel’s close proximity to Seattle’s top destinations including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet, makes The Maxwell a prime location for both leisure and business travelers. Built by Columbia West Properties’ Foreman family to reflect their values of warmth, welcome and hospitality, the hotel has 140 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. For more information, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com.

About Columbia West Properties, Inc.
A family-owned and operated business, Columbia West Properties (CWP) owns, manages and develops a variety of commercial, retail, multi-family and hospitality properties in Washington state. Founded by Diane Foreman in 1988, CWP is currently managed by her daughter, Michelle Foreman Barnet, who serves as president, in conjunction with Diane and her husband Richard Foreman who serve as co-CEOs. CWP’s notable properties include Bellevue’s Pacific Plaza; Waterworks Marina and Offices; the historic Holyoke Building and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle; and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Other projects currently in development include The Maxwell Hotel in the Seattle Center neighborhood (scheduled to open March 2010), and the Second Avenue Towers on Virginia Street in downtown Seattle (currently in planning phase). For more information, please visit www.columbiawestproperties.com.

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Media Contacts: Katie Riese / Lorne Richmond
Richmond Public Relations / (206) 682-6979
katier@richmondpr.com / lorne@richmondpr.com

THE MAXWELL HOTEL SET TO OPEN IN MARCH 2010
Independently Owned and Operated Hotel to Open in Vibrant Lower Queen Anne

SEATTLE – The Maxwell Hotel, a Columbia West Properties owned and operated hotel located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center, will open its doors to guests on March 22, 2010. The Maxwell’s proximity to many of Seattle’s noted landmarks, city icons and arts organizations provides guests with countless activities within an easy walk, bus, monorail or cab ride.

The most recent addition to Columbia West Properties’ hospitality portfolio—which includes the Watertown Hotel and the University Inn in the University District, and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle—The Maxwell is the first hotel that Columbia West Properties has built. The hotel will feature 139 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

“The Maxwell, named after my son, is a true labor of love for us. From the pineapple mosaic that symbolizes hospitality to the swimming pool tiles painted by local children, guests will find thoughtful personal touches throughout the property,” said Michelle Foreman Barnet, president and COO of Columbia West Properties. “In addition, we’ve begun partnering with our neighboring businesses, some of Seattle’s top arts organizations, to provide our guests with unique and unforgettable experiences.”

Conveniently located on Roy Street between Third Avenue North and Nob Hill Avenue in downtown Seattle, The Maxwell is just steps away from the Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, SIFF Cinema, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Teatro ZinZanni, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum, Pacific Science Center and the iconic Space Needle. Guests of The Maxwell will enjoy year-round access to award-winning cultural activities, dining and sightseeing throughout the city of Seattle.

The Maxwell is owned by Columbia West Properties, Inc. The architects are Jensen/Fey and Weber Thompson, the general contractor is Rafn Company, the project manager is Mark Modawell of The Sutor Group and interiors are by Karen Earl Interior Design. For more information about The Maxwell, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com.

About The Maxwell Hotel
Located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center and the world-famous Space Needle, The Maxwell is a Columbia West Properties hotel with strong ties to Seattle’s arts community. The hotel’s close proximity to Seattle’s top destinations including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet, makes The Maxwell a prime location for both leisure and business travelers. Built by Columbia West Properties’ Foreman family to reflect their values of warmth, welcome and hospitality, the hotel has 140 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. For more information, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com.

About Columbia West Properties, Inc.
A family-owned and operated business, Columbia West Properties (CWP) owns, manages and develops a variety of commercial, retail, multi-family and hospitality properties in Washington state. Founded by Diane Foreman in 1988, CWP is currently managed by her daughter, Michelle Foreman Barnet, who serves as president, in conjunction with Diane and her husband Richard Foreman who serve as co-CEOs. CWP’s notable properties include Bellevue’s Pacific Plaza; Waterworks Marina and Offices; the historic Holyoke Building and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle; and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Other projects currently in development include The Maxwell Hotel in the Seattle Center neighborhood (scheduled to open March 2010) and the Second Avenue Towers on Virginia Street in downtown Seattle (currently in planning phase). For more information, please visit www.columbiawestproperties.com.

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Media Contacts: Katie Riese / Lorne Richmond
Richmond Public Relations / (206) 682-6979

DELLA-RAE CARRIERE NAMED HOTEL ASSET MANAGER OF COLUMBIA WEST PROPERTIES
SEATTLE – Columbia West Properties, a family-owned and operated property management and development business, has named Della-Rae Carriere as hotel asset manager. Carriere brings extensive hotel industry knowledge and experience to Columbia West.
“Della-Rae brings a strong understanding of the hospitality industry to our hotel portfolio,” said Michelle Foreman Barnet, president and COO of Columbia West Properties. “Her proven leadership, dedication and strategic thought process make her an outstanding addition to our team.”
Carriere brings more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry to Columbia West, including a position on the opening team of the Arctic Club Hotel as revenue manager and front desk manager. Carriere also spent 10 years as director of revenue management for the Sorrento Hotel.
In her position as hotel asset manager, Carriere oversees the operations of Columbia West’s hotel portfolio, which includes The Maxwell Hotel near Seattle Center, the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Carriere grew up in Anacortes, Wash. and now resides in Edmonds, Wash.

About Columbia West Properties, Inc.
A family-owned and operated business, Columbia West Properties (CWP) owns, manages and develops a variety of commercial, retail, multi-family and hospitality properties in Washington state. Founded by Diane Foreman in 1988, CWP is currently managed by her daughter, Michelle Foreman Barnet, who serves as president, in conjunction with Diane and her husband Richard Foreman who serve as co-CEOs. CWP’s notable properties include Bellevue’s Pacific Plaza; Waterworks Marina and Offices; the historic Holyoke Building and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle; and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Other projects currently in development include the Second Avenue Towers on Virginia Street in downtown Seattle (currently in planning phase). For more information, please visit www.columbiawestproperties.com.

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Media Contacts: Katie Riese / Lori Meyers
Richmond Public Relations
(206) 682-6979
katier@richmondpr.com / lorim@richmondpr.com

THE MAXWELL HOTEL HOSTS
SEATTLE’S LARGEST SLUMBER PARTY
Friends and Family Invited to Play and Stay at Seattle’s Newest Hotel

March 6, 2010 – Michelle Foreman Barnet, president of Columbia West Properties, shows off a LEGO model of The Maxwell Hotel and the hotel’s logo.

SEATTLE – The Maxwell Hotel welcomed friends and family for Seattle’s largest slumber party featuring pool time, a pizza feast, movies, dancing and LEGO entertainment on Saturday, March 6, 2010.
“It was a great opportunity to show off our latest project to our family and closest friends,” said Michelle Foreman Barnet, president of Columbia West Properties, which owns The Maxwell. “We wanted to welcome them as our first guests before the grand opening.”
One of the evening’s highlights was Dan Parker, a LEGO certified professional, who provided entertainment with a variety of LEGOs for guests of all ages. He also constructed a model of The Maxwell Hotel complete with balconies, guests and a porte cochere.
The Maxwell Hotel, a Columbia West Properties owned and operated hotel located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center, opened its doors to guests on Monday, March 22, 2010.

About The Maxwell Hotel
Located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center and the world-famous Space Needle, The Maxwell is a Columbia West Properties hotel with strong ties to Seattle’s arts community. The hotel’s close proximity to Seattle’s top destinations including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet, makes The Maxwell a prime location for both leisure and business travelers. Built by Columbia West Properties’ Foreman family to reflect their values of warmth, welcome and hospitality, the hotel has 140 guestrooms, an indoor pool, an exercise facility, an espresso bar, 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. For more information, please visit www.themaxwellhotel.com, or find The Maxwell on Facebook www.facebook.com/themaxwellhotel and Twitter www.twitter.com/themaxwellhotel.

About Columbia West Properties, Inc.
A family-owned and operated business, Columbia West Properties (CWP) owns, manages and develops a variety of commercial, retail, multi-family and hospitality properties in Washington state. Founded by Diane Foreman in 1988, CWP is currently managed by her daughter, Michelle Foreman Barnet, who serves as president, in conjunction with Diane and her husband Richard Foreman who serve as co-CEOs. CWP’s notable properties include Bellevue’s Pacific Plaza; Waterworks Marina and Offices; the historic Holyoke Building and the Ramada Inn in downtown Seattle; and the University Inn and Watertown Hotel in Seattle’s University District. Other projects currently in development include the Second Avenue Towers on Virginia Street in downtown Seattle (currently in planning phase). For more information, please visit www.columbiawestproperties.com.

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Media Contacts: Katie Riese / Lori Meyers
Richmond Public Relations
(206) 682-6979
katier@richmondpr.com / lorim@richmondpr.com

We’re the official hotel for the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)! Check out their program here: NFFTY – National Film Festival for Talented Youth | Seattle Youth Film Festival | Student Film Festival